One fan slow on start up/Front fan removal

[Tyler1999]

Hi,

My PC is using the 'PCS SPECTRUM RGB MID TOWER CASE'. Not an amazing case and wish I went for a different one but don't have the confidence to change it.

I have noticed that the 3rd fan on the case(bottom), on boot up its slowly spins. When the machine fully boots after 1minute or so it gets up to normal speed to match the other 2 fans.

Thought it may be dust, cleaned it out as best I can but does the same thing. Just wondering if anyone has experience with this case or anyone else had had this sort of issue ?

Hopefully I am correct but these fans only have one speed and cannot be controlled. Was looking to just replacing all 3 with the below to see if it resolved the issue.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CO-9050072-WW-LL120-Dual-Light/dp/B075VGN4M1/ref=sr_1_3?crid=5TUVJ0QCVFVF&keywords=corsair+fans&qid=1700824560&sprefix=corsair+fans+%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-3

OR (as im not fussed about IQue lighting. Assume I can connect the below so the LED button on case still controls the lighting ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-AF120-Air-Noise-Cooling/dp/B07KGYG8N7/ref=sr_1_6?crid=Q1RSY08YTI17&keywords=corsair+fans&qid=1700826432&sprefix=%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-6

My other question is, the 3rd fan screws are very awkward to get to. Cant seem to work out what else I can remove to get the 3rd fan out easily ?

https://imgur.com/a/xNM3Nfw

 

[TonyCarter]

You've found one of the issues with budget cases...in that they're not built with enthusiast upgrading in mind...but I think you should be able to access those bottom screws by removing the HDD cage (assuming it is removable)?

The built-in fan speeds are usually controlled by the motherboard software, so there could be something set-up to stagger their speeds - but I'm not particularly familiar with PCS's own cases (and don't worry, I wish I'd picked a different case too).

Looking at the PCS page for that case, it says there are 3x140mm fans...not 120mm, but I'd like someone else to confirm that.

I think that fan kit only allows you to control the colours in iCUE. If you want to control (i.e. create custom fan profiles) the fan speeds too you may need a Commander Core XT or the new iCue Link (with appropriate iCue Link fan kit) to do so.

Commander Core XT (for both RGB & Speeds):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Controller-Temperature-Monitoring-Installation/dp/B09GHTMJMY/

 

[Tyler1999]

^Thanks for reply.

Sorry think you have looked at the Spectrum II case. Think I have the older version as my PC is a few years old. See attached.

Doesn't specify sizes, but after measuring sure they are 120mm.

Not sure if these would be easier to install ? Rather not have to have all the extra cable and hubs etc for lighting/customization.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-AF120-Air-Noise-Cooling/dp/B07KGYG8N7/ref=sr_1_6?crid=Q1RSY08YTI17&keywords=corsair+fans&qid=1700826432&sprefix=,aps,103&sr=8-6

 

[TonyCarter]

It doesn't really matter what fans you fit, there will always be cabling for power and lighting.

The ones you've linked to still have lighting...albeit I guess only in an on/off operation as it's all white LEDs...but you'll still have to connect them to the motherboard and control the speeds that way (through motherboard software or via BIOS).

There is an app which you may want to try before replacing the current fans...it's FanControl..and may help you in customising the speeds:

Fan Control - A highly focused fan controlling software for Windows

Fan Control is a free software that allows the user to control his CPU, GPU and case fans using temperatures.

getfancontrol.com

 

[Tyler1999]

It doesn't really matter what fans you fit, there will always be cabling for power and lighting.

The ones you've linked to still have lighting...albeit I guess only in an on/off operation as it's all white LEDs...but you'll still have to connect them to the motherboard and control the speeds that way (through motherboard software or via BIOS).

There is an app which you may want to try before replacing the current fans...it's FanControl..and may help you in customising the speeds:

Fan Control - A highly focused fan controlling software for Windows

Fan Control is a free software that allows the user to control his CPU, GPU and case fans using temperatures.

getfancontrol.com

Okay. Think I need to have a look at the what current ones are connected to.

Hopefully I can remove the hard drive tray aswell otherwise I have no idea how I am going to unscrew the 3rd bottom fan.

The case has an LED button that controls the lighting of the existing ones so just assuming if I get ones without ICUE etc, I just re-connect them in the same way my existing ones are... Ill have a look

Tried that software and it doesn't detect the 3 front fans. Only CPU fan and two on GPU.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Okay. Think I need to have a look at the what current ones are connected to.

Hopefully I can remove the hard drive tray aswell otherwise I have no idea how I am going to unscrew the 3rd bottom fan.

The case has an LED button that controls the lighting of the existing ones so just assuming if I get ones without ICUE etc, I just re-connect them in the same way my existing ones are... Ill have a look

Tried that software and it doesn't detect the 3 front fans. Only CPU fan and two on GPU.

They're not software addressable fans, it's done by the case. That's why they're labelled as "RGB fans" rather than "aRGB" (the a being for addressable)

 

[Tyler1999]

I am going to order some Corsair AF120 fans to replace them just waiting for them to be delivered. How are non addressable fans usually installed ?

I have roughly follow the wires from the fans and none of them go to the cha_fan1,2,3 OR sys_fan1,2,3 slots on the motherboard ?

Are these getting power another way ? Potentially from PSU ?

https://imgur.com/a/Te03JBg

 

[SpyderTracks]

I am going to order some Corsair AF120 fans to replace them just waiting for them to be delivered. How are non addressable fans usually installed ?

I have roughly follow the wires from the fans and none of them go to the cha_fan1,2,3 OR sys_fan1,2,3 slots on the motherboard ?

Are these getting power another way ?

They're part of the case so they're connected to the case power connections which is usually through a Molex connector on the PSU.

To be honest, for the price of 3 x AF120s and a controller you could have just got a better case but that would be more challenging to swap out and void your warranty.

But the front panel on the case is removable I believe, then the fans are each connected at each corner by a mounting screw, then it's just the power connector that needs to be detached.

Then new fans should mount the same way but will have 2 connectors, one a 4pin PWM connector for the CH_FAN headers on the board, the other is the ARGB header which plug into the Lighting Node Core, and that then plugs into your motherboard USB header.

Unless the fans are the ones you previously linked in which case they're not aRGB, they're fixed white at all times (don't need a controller)

 

[Tyler1999]

Oh okay makes sense.

Yeah I don't think I am confident enough to move all the hardware into a new case.

I am mostly worried that the slow fan will eventually stop working completely, risking my PC to overheat. Which is why I want to replace them asap.

Do you think a new case would be more ideal ? Annoying PCS do not provide a service to upgrade the case.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Oh okay makes sense.

Yeah I don't think I am confident enough to move all the hardware into a new case.

I am mostly worried that the slow fan will eventually stop working completely, risking my PC to overheat. Which is why I want to replace them asap.

Do you think a new case would be more ideal ? Annoying PCS do not provide a service to upgrade the case.

That’s a budget case, doesn’t matter what you do after the fact, it’s not going to improve the airflow at all.

For the price of the fans you could get a budget corsair or fractal which would include ARGB fans and also VASTLY improve airflow.

Most of the fun of getting into PCs at this level is pushing yourself to do mods and upgrades, you will have to upgrade your gpu on any pc you buy, you’ll have to troubleshoot issues along the way, so you have to learn this stuff at some point.

And if you’ve got a family member or friend that can give guidance if you get stuck, or use a forum, then that’s the best way to do it.

If it were me, I’d want a better case on that build even if there wasn’t an issue with the fan.

 

[Tyler1999]

Would you be able to recommend any cases ? How do I go about finding a case that is the correct size and ensure it suits the same sort of layout for my radiator etc ?

When changing case, will I need to re-do the thermal paste etc or is leaving the cooler connected CPU /motherboard an option but more risky ? Re-doing the thermal paste etc is probably the thing I am most worried about (not sure why lol)

You are slowly changing my mind as I do feel getting a better case would be more ideal. Just hoping the fan does not break in the meantime.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Would you be able to recommend any cases ? How do I go about finding a case that is the correct size and ensure it suits the same sort of layout for my radiator etc ?

Cases are designed around the motherboard.

You have Mini ATX (mATX), Full ATX (ATX), and Extended ATX (eATX)

That case is an ATX case.

The only outlier is the GPU length really, but unless you're rocking a 4 slot RTX 4090, pretty much any ATX case will accommodate up to say 300mm cards. It's only the huge chokers top end cards that sometimes need special consideration.

When changing case, will I need to re-do the thermal paste etc or is leaving the cooler connected CPU /motherboard an option but more risky ? Re-doing the thermal paste etc is probably the thing I am most worried about (not sure why lol)

Depends on the case, but it's likely the backplate of the CPU slot will need to be removed in order to remove the motherboard, in which case yes, you'd have to repaste. Again though, this is all basic stuff you NEED to know how to do on a PC at some point and it's extremely easy. There's hundreds of video guides, it's nothing to be frightened of.

If you prefer also, there's a new product on the market which has better performance than most high end thermal pastes anyway, and it's just a wafer thin layer that you place on the CPU and then apply the heatsink, and you'll never have to worry about a poor paste application, or paste drying out, it lasts forever

Just get the right size for your CPU: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thermal-Grizzly-Conductivity-Alternative-Performance/dp/B0C61QGH5Z?th=1

Would you be able to recommend any cases ? How do I go about finding a case that is the correct size and ensure it suits the same sort of layout for my radiator etc ?

What's your budget for the case?

 

[Tyler1999]

Okay good to know. I have a 2080 Super GPU.

Never heard of that and looks much easier that dealing with the paste!

My max for a case would probably be £200. I just had a look at some fractal ones and these come with two PWN fans included. Aren't these the type of fans I currently have ?

 

[SpyderTracks]

Okay good to know. I have a 2080 Super GPU.

Never heard of that and looks much easier that dealing with the paste!

My max for a case would probably be £200. I just had a look at some fractal ones and these come with two PWN fans included. Aren't these the type of fans I currently have ?

Holy gods, yeah, you absolutely have to replace that case, totally unsuitable for that GPU!!!

Can you post your full specs from the order page so we can see what we're dealing with?

But for under your ceiling, and given you've got a 2080 Super, there is definitely a case that comes to mind, it's incredibly easy to build in, and amazing performance to boot. I've got the earlier version of this by the same manufacturer, so I'm definitely biased to this kind of case (2 compartments), but they're so good in a maintenance perspective as they separate the parts you never have to touch from the parts you need to access such as drives etc.

I just adore the aesthetic in general, and Lian Li just are often ahead of the game in both quality and design, they were the first to make this kind of design back with the PC-08 in 2015, and literally everyone and their dog ended up copying them.

This is the Lian Li Evo XL and Overclockers are currently doing a good deal on it, but I'd order quick as they will sell out fast

Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL (ROG Certified) Aluminium Full-Tower - White

Order Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL (ROG Certified) Aluminium Full-Tower - White now online and benefit from fast delivery.

www.overclockers.co.uk

The case doesn't come with fans, but you can pick up a matching Lian Li set just about within budget, then add some more at a later date if you needed to. I’m assuming you’ve got an AIO cooler in which case you’d already have good airflow with that.

Lian Li BR120 Digital RGB PWM 120mm Triple Fan Pack with Remote Fan Controller - Grey

Order Lian Li BR120 Digital RGB PWM 120mm Triple Fan Pack with Remote Fan Controller - Grey now online and benefit from fast delivery.

www.overclockers.co.uk

 

[SpyderTracks]

There’s also the brand new NZXT H9 which includes fans, it’s not quite as premium but is still a good performer

NZXT H9 Flow Dual-Chamber ATX Mid-Tower PC Gaming Case CM-H91FB-01 - High-Airflow Perforated Top Panel Tempered Glass Front & Side Panels 360mm Radiator Support Cable Management https://amzn.eu/d/89HABxG

 

[Tyler1999]

Nice, I do like the case and fans. Surprised they let you build a PC with that case with the GPU if it's really not good for it...

Not sure when I will be buying the case, likely in a few weeks to hopefully it will still be on sale.

PC specs are below.

Case
PCS SPECTRUM RGB MID TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 3800X Eight Core CPU (3.9GHz-4.5GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X570-F GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2080 SUPER - HDMI, 3x DP GeForce - RTX VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
1TB Samsung 860 QVO 2.5" SSD, SATA 6Gb/s (up to 550MB/sR | 520MB/sW)
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
Power Supply
CORSAIR 650W VS SERIES™ VS-650 POWER SUPPLY
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H80i V2 Hydro Cooler w/ PCS Ultra Quiet Fans
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Wireless Network Card
WIRELESS 802.11N 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS

 

[SpyderTracks]

The configurator merely restricts you putting parts that physically can't fit or by chipset, it doesn’t do anything for designing if the parts work well together or not, the buyer is expected to know how to properly design a pc or get help if they don’t. That system is very unbalanced.

You also have a huge bottleneck on the OS drive, a gen 4 PCIe drive would give an ENORMOUS boost to general performance.

But a second one as a dedicated games drive would be worthwhile also.

I wouldn't want that cooler on that chip either, an H100i would be the minimum I'd suggest.

The PSU is completely unsuitable also for the level of components you have in there.

In future, get advice, you can't just throw any components together with a PC, it takes some know how to design something that's not going to produce bottlenecks.

 

[Tyler1999]

Okay thank you. Not the best news to hear but I will just upgrade over the course of next year. I believe the Lian li tower is a bigger tower than what I current have ?

Problem I have at the moment mine feels so small and screws for components feel so oddly placed.

I think I may try and save up for a case, fans and a new cooler. When playing games at high graphics, my pc does seem to run very high and puts out some heat in the room. Do Lian li cases go on offer very often ?

What PSU would you recommend, 1000w ?

Really appreciate all your help.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Problem I have at the moment mine feels so small and screws for components feel so oddly placed.

The case is completely unsuitable for the build, that case is designed for extreme entry level systems using a fraction of the power.

Your components just aren't meant to be in a case like that.

People incorrectly assume any case is fine, it's totally inaccurate, a case is paramount to the overall airflow within, if you've got a poor case, doesn't matter how good a cooler, or GPU you have, you're still gonna have cooling problems because the case can't physically shift the airflow required.

Do Lian li cases go on offer very often ?

No, rarely. That's the lowest price I've ever seen it.

What PSU would you recommend, 1000w ?

If you're looking at staying at xx80 type levels of GPU, I'd say a 1200w, and likely a TXM model.

What make and model monitor are you using on this build btw?

 

[Tyler1999]

Okay thank you. With that case how is the 3 fan placement if I was to get a h100i ? Assume the h100i would sit at the top of the case and the Lian li fans sit facing on the back of the case ?

Think I'll purchase the fans and get the case in a few days hopefully. Then work on getting a PSU and h100i.

Then get a PCIe SSD.

I'm using a 1440p ultra wide lg monitor 3440x1440p. Along with a 27inch 1440p lg monitor. I assumed this likely why my PC is putting out some heat.